Navigation

Tag Archives | campus

By on July 12, 2017 in Academic Life

Image by thelester, pixabay.com

Living on campus might fill new students with a sense of false security. Of course, you assume the campus is a safe and secure place, but even so, reports surface every year about students on campuses being subjected to robberies, burglaries, attacks, stalking, and drunk driving accidents. The threat of a dangerous situation might be just around the corner, especially for kids who are living on their own for the first time. Here are a few tips to stay smart and safe on campus.

Visit the Campus

To get familiar with your new home, every college campus provides new students with a tour of the college grounds. Make sure you take part in the tour. Familiarize yourself with all the buildings on the campus, and find out the location of the campus security office. Visit the office and request information about the services provided by campus security. For example, some campus security offices might provide escort services at night, security apps to download, special security hotline numbers, safety zone maps, or updates about crimes on campus.

Security Measures

Your college campus is not the place to forget about security. Remember to lock all your doors at night. Lock your dorm room while attending classes or going out with friends, and lock your windows to discourage spur of the moment break-ins. Don’t walk alone at night and don’t visit ATM machines at night. Having roommates and dorm buddies is usually part of the system for new freshmen and can help keep you safe. Don’t leave money or valuable possessions out in the open; lock them up in a drawer or room safe.

Social Media

Kids away at college like to jump on social media sites to keep in touch with friends and family at home. Your posts might seem innocent but remember they can convey important personal information to strangers or acquaintances viewing your social media profile. Don’t announce your plans on social media. For example, don’t announce you are spending the night alone in your room or are going home for the weekend, leaving your room unattended.

Avoid Getting Wasted

Don’t drink and drive. People tend to lose control of their inhibitions and get reckless at college parties. This includes getting in a car and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stop, and think for a second before taking that drink or getting behind the wheel of a car, while drinking. Is it really worth the risk? Of course not. An auto accident attorney from Denver recommends you plan for a designated driver, take the bus, or stay close to campus.

Adjusting to your new life on campus takes time. Stay smart and safe with the tips provided here.

Sources:

Bachus & Schanker Law
Entrepreneur’s Organization
Safety Chick

This article was contributed by guest author Eileen O’Shanassy.

By on January 25, 2017 in Housing

Image by Gabriel Beaudry, unsplash.com

Going off to college can be a very exciting and very overwhelming time for many students. This may be the first time you have ever lived away from your family and it can be scary. To quell your impending homesickness, bring a few of the comforts of home with you. Your dorm room will be your new home for the next few months, so you might as well take the time to make it feel like it. Here are a few tips to help you get your new dorm feeling like a true home.

Photos
Bring photos of your friends and family from home. Frame them, make a collage, or get creative with it. Decorating with photos will make you feel closer to home and remind you of good things when you have a bad day.

Posters and Wall Art
This is a great way to express your personality and show who you really are. Just make sure your wall art won’t distract you too much from your studies. This can also help you connect with roommates and find other friends in the building.

Mattress Pad
Dorm room mattresses are notoriously terrible and uncomfortable. Buy a mattress pad or invest in a featherbed before you arrive at college. Your back will thank you and having a comfortable place to unwind after studying is important for your mental health as well.

Bedding
This goes along with the mattress pad, but good sheets and pillows can go a long way. Bring extra blankets from home too for an extra level of coziness. Just make sure you still have room to sit and study on your bed as well.

Storage Boxes
Let’s be honest, you are probably going to overpack. It can be good to have plastic storage bins on hand for anything you don’t have space for. It is even better if you can get boxes that fit under your bed. Plus, it will keep your space clean and make packing up at the end of the year a snap. Find other moving tips here and from your college guidance center.

Lighting
Whether it is a floor lamp, desk lamp, or a string of twinkle lights, extra lighting will certainly come in handy. This can be especially useful for times when your roommate goes to bed before you and you cannot leave on the overhead lights. Lights also adds warmth to any room.

Rug
Dorm room carpets are not the cleanest surface in the world. Get an area rug to cover up those weird stains and add a touch of color to your room.

No matter how you choose to decorate your dorm room, your surroundings have a big effect on your college experience. Your room should reflect who you are, but also provide a relaxing and homey space for you to enjoy. And remember to have fun with it!

This article was contributed by guest author Eileen O’Shanassy.

By on June 8, 2015 in Wellness
Image by Colonnade Boston on Flickr

Image by Colonnade Boston on Flickr

Staying healthy on campus can be tough with so many ways for students to get lazy and ignore their health. Cafeteria food isn’t exactly known for its health benefits, and going to a grocery store to pick up food can be a pain, especially after a long day of classes. On top of that, who has time to go for a run or the money to spend on a set of weights? Luckily, most campuses offer a wide range of activities and groups that can help you stay in shape no matter your schedule. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned.

  1. Don’t give up the sports you played in high school.  You played those sports in high school because you enjoyed them, so why give them up because you’re in university? Most universities have clubs or intramurals for different types of sports – and some even for sports played overseas.
  2. Don’t be afraid of the campus gym. Walking into the gym for the first time might be intimidating, but consistently going helps to break down those boundaries you might have initially had. Develop a schedule that includes time for the gym, and it will most certainly help with relieving stress and creating a healthy body.
  3. Get workout or sports buddies. Friends will keep you motivated when you find yourself not wanting to get out of bed. Having them there will help you have fun while getting a good workout.
  4. Take advantage of the campus. Most campuses have trails for running or biking that are easily accessible to students. During your spare time, take advantage of these resources. They’re close by, and nothing beats fresh air.
  5. Have long term goals. Create fitness goals that you would like to complete by the end of the semester or the end of the year. This will help you stay motivated to exercising, and you’ll be able to see how your body progresses as the year goes on.

It’s easy to ignore your health while at university, but the long term effects can be detrimental to your body. Whether it’s through eating healthy, staying in shape or both, make sure you find a routine to properly take care of yourself. While you may not notice it short term, your body will love you in the long run for taking good care of it!

By on October 29, 2014 in Colleges, Universities
Image by Sholeh, Flickr

Image by Sholeh, Flickr

Campus day season is upon us. This is a time for students (and their parents) to go to potential colleges and universities before making a decision on where to apply. To get the most out of a campus day, here are a few tips to prepare beforehand.

Prepare a list of questions before you go.

Often, many students, faculty members, and professors will be on hand during a campus day to answer any questions you may have. It’s helpful to think of potential questions you may have about academics, social life, finances, or residence.

Here are some sample questions to get you started:

  1. What are the admission requirements for my program (arts, sciences, business, engineering, etc.)?
  2. What kind of financial aid (scholarships, bursaries, grants, etc.) is available for incoming students?
  3. What kind of courses do first year students in my program typically take?

Have a set plan on what you wish to accomplish during the day.

Universities and colleges will most often post the campus day schedule as well as maps on their website. If you’re driving, using public transit, or even flying in for a campus day, make sure to plan your route accordingly, so you don’t miss any sessions that you wish to attend. There is usually no set agenda for campus days. Choose the information sessions that apply to your interests, questions, and concerns. Faculty members and professors usually run these sessions, so don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you may have. They are there to help!

Take a campus and/or residence tour.

Besides information sessions, campus and residence tours will be running throughout the day. Often, campus tours are facilitated by students. They’ll be able to give you a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the university or college as well as important points of interest. Additionally, if you have any questions, students will be happy to help you as they’re experiencing campus life themselves.

If you’re thinking about living in residence, going on a residence tour can be extremely helpful. Most likely, you will be taken into the residence rooms where students are already living. You’ll be able to see how big the living space is and the different types of residences.

Here are some common questions about residences:

  1. Are there single rooms or shared rooms?
  2. Is there a common kitchen or a meal plan?
  3. What kind of security is available in the residence building?

Imagine yourself on campus.

You may feel like it’s impossible to decide which college or university you wish to attend. But as you attend all the information sessions and tours, imagine yourself on the campus next year. Do you enjoy the atmosphere of the university or college? If you’re going to live in residence, would you like the options available? Do you like the way your program and the courses are offered at this university or college? Ask yourself these questions.

In the end, you will eventually figure out where you wish to attend university or college. In the meantime, attend campus days because they will be extremely helpful in your decision making process!

Here are some links to university and college campus days and tours across Canada:

By on February 12, 2014 in Academic Life, Entertainment, Wellness
Image by Camera Eye Photography, Flickr

Image by Camera Eye Photography, Flickr

Stuck on campus this Reading Week? With most students away on holiday, it can be hard to stay positive and productive on an empty campus. Get out of bed and make the most of your vacation with these eleven tips:

  1. Find people.


    2. You’re probably not the only one left on campus. Find out who else is on campus and make plans to see a movie, study together, or just hang out.

  2. Having trouble focusing on that paper due Monday? Set a deadline.


    3. Email some friends and family members asking them to edit your work, and tell them you’ll send it to them at a certain date and time. Accountability will push you to get it done.

  3. Stay on track.


    4. If some of your professors or TAs are still on campus, this might be the perfect opportunity to check in with them and discuss your schoolwork. Email to set up an appointment.

  4. Get started on the summer job hunt.


    5. Your university website probably has a job board page. Also try government sites or company websites for internships. Buy a nice notebook and fill it with options. Refine your resume, and make a cover letter template. You’ll thank yourself later when your friends are scrambling to apply for jobs during spring exams.

  5. Finally get to the gym.


    6. Endorphins will make you feel positive and energized. Try out the pool, if there is one – it’s the closest thing on campus to a warm beach!

  6. Explore.


    7. Check out that one café you haven’t been to yet. Print out a map of your city and circle three locations with a marker – museums, cafés, stores – and draw a line connecting them. Bundle up, and go!

  7. Get out.


    8. If your university is smaller, in a rural area, try a nature walk or hike. If you’re snowed in, try building a snowman, snow fort, or having a snowball fight with your friends.

  8. Set up camp in a coffee shop.


    9. Bring your reading materials and let the java jive. If you’re with some friends, bring a few board games.

  9. Try a technology detox.


    10. You don’t have classes or as many obligations as you usually do. Put aside your gadgets for a full day.

  10. Take yourself out on a date.


    11. Dinner, movie, the works. If you’re not comfortable eating alone in public, bring a book or an iPad. The time of day when restaurants are emptiest is between 10am and 3pm.

  11. Read a new book.


    12. Not a school book – a fantasy, adventure, or mystery. You’ll have a refreshed mindset after reading about another literary world.